Die fixture and control apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press wherein the die fixture is automatically and controllably movable between a stamping station and a loading station at an adjustable, controlled rate of speed and the die fixture delay time at the stamping station and at the loading station are each independently controllable. The die fixture includes a plurality of spaced, identifiable index openings for positioning the lower die element and one or more locators in predetermined, fixed positions, the locators having blank engaging surfaces for engaging a workpiece blank and positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position in the die fixture.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,777,602 Youra Dec. 11, 1973 DIE FIXTUREAND CONTROL APPARATUS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Inventori CharlesYou", Van Nuys, Calm 13,751 9/1965 Japan 269/305 [73] Assignee: DoricCorporation, Oklahoma City,

Okla Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-W. D. Bray[22] Fled: 1972 Att0rneyJerry J. Dunlap et al. [21] Appl. No.: 238,803

57 ABSTRACT 52 US. (:1 83/204, 83/400 83/412, im!roved die fixture andapparatus P 83/467 loo/DIG 18 269/297 269/305 sitioning a workpieceblank to be formed in a punch tog/9,1, 83/639; press wherein the diefixture is automatically and con- 51 1111.01 B26d 5/20 "onably mvablebetween Stamping 81am) and a 58 Field of Search 269/63, 69, 297, wadingan adjustable mmmlled 0f 157 415 Sp6d and the flXtUl'C delay time at thestamping 563, 400 203, 205, 698, 701, 412, 414 396, station and at theloading station are each indepen 467; 408/91; 241/] BB; 72/412, 28, DIG21 dently controllable. The die fixture includes a plurality 417, 444;loo/DIG 18 of spaced, identifiable index openings for positioning thelower die element and one or more locators in pre- [56] References Citeddeterrninedixed positions, the locatkors havbipg llzlan:

en a 1n su aces or en a in a wor iece an an UNITED STATES PATENTS po siti onig the workpieie bl nk in a predetermined 3,446,106 5/1969 Ferris83/400 position in the die 2,852,629 9/1958 Sacher.... 83/400 X1,954,708 4/1934 Mass 269/297 X 21 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures i/'-a2 vt[5 m2 I W W Jllllll I70 y 6? 9/"f /@O /52 '11' /34 rvr l54 c o o o ouo oo o o o o os 0 0 0 0 0 1/4 I 1L7;7*/ 2 Q M0" -03: 970 0 o o o ?5-- ggooi oooodo' 200-- o o 0 I60 I60 0 o o o o o 5g jg oo goxgooo If Q24PATENTED ME I I I973 SHCE '4 CF 4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Fieldof the Invention This invention relates generally to improvements in diefixtures for punch presses and, more particularly, but not by way oflimitation, to an improved workpiece blank positioning apparatus and diefixture control apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the past various devices have beenconstruetedfor providing some type of removable die fixture assemblywhicnsanleessernbleqis emstones?! the 1929!? provide a predeterminedworkpiece positioning assembly, these devices being generally. in punchpressoperations wherein relatively small quantities of a particularworkpiece are to be formed on an occasional or intermittent basisthereby consuming a considerable amount of so-called set-up timetoproperly position the forming die elementsand theworkpiece-positioning elements prior to each stamping or formingoperation of the punch press.

One particular workpiece positioning apparatus was disclosed in the U.S.Pat. No. 3,188,078, issued to Peterson, wherein workpiece positioningstops were detachably located on selected anchoring holes formed in thepunch press bolster plates. Each of the positioning stops had ahorizontal bore formed therethrough for receiving a micrometerextension. After the positioning stops had been located on the punchpress bolster plate, the micrometer extensions were axially movedthrough the boreholes to engage and position a workpiece blank, thereading on the scales of each micrometer being periodically checked bythe operator to assure each micrometer remained properly positionedduring the punch press stamping operations.

One other type of workpiece positioning apparatus was disclosed in theU.S. Pat. No. 3,608,886, issued to Greene, wherein a plurality oflocator cams were secured in selected reference apertures formedthrough.

for a variety of applications, such as the machine tool disclosed in theU.S. Pat. No. 1,956,] 10, issued to Turrettini; U.S. Pat. No. 2,566,243,issued to Nyquist; U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,106, issued to Farris; U.S. Pat.No. Re. 18,162, issued to Freeman, U.S. Pat. No. 2,009,487, issued toErnst; U.S. Pat. No. 2,176,543, issued to Norton, U.S. Pat. No.2,512,731, issued to Adams; U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,243, issued to Mills;U.S. Pat. No. 2,910,727, issued to. Salbeck; U.S.. Pat. No. 2,988,234,issued to Barothy; U.S. Pat. No. 2,122,648, issued to. Johnson; U.S.Pat. No. 2,613,823, issued to Johns; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,229, issuedto Sahlin; for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide animproved die fixture wherein the workpiece locating elements areremovably positionable in predetermined, controlled locations in afaster, more positive, and more efficient manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved die fixturewherein the time required to positively position the lower die elementand the workpiece positioning locators thereon is substantially reduced.

Oneother object of the invention is to provide an improved controlapparatusfor automatically moving die fixture to a loading station andto a stamping station wherein the rate of travel of the die fixture, andthe delay times of the die fixture at the stamping stationandtheloadingstationare each independently controllable in a moreefficient manner.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved diefixture wherein the workpiece locators are positively positioned thereonin a manner virtually eliminating visual alignment requirements.

et another object of the invention is to provide an improved die fixtureand control apparatus which operates in a substantially safer manner,yet provides an increased operational efficiency.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved die fixtureand control apparatus which is economical in construction and operation.

Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will be evident from thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with thedrawings which illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical sideelevational view of the die fixture and a schematic view of the diefixture and control apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the die fixture of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, plan view of the die fixture, FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the die fixture of FIGS. 1, 2 and3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, plan view of .a modified die fixture.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modified die fixture of FIG. 5,taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the modified die fixture of FIGS. 5and 6, taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front-elevational view similar to the frontelevational viewof FIG. 4, but showing another modified die fixture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings ingeneral, and to FIG. 1 in particular, shown thereinand designated by thegeneral reference numeral 10 is a die fixture and control apparatus forpositively positioning a workpiece blank in a fixed, predeterminedposition so that a particular shape or form can be subsequently impartedthereto in a faster, more efficient, safer and more economical manner.In one aspect, the present invention contemplates an improved punchpress wherein the loading and the forming of a workpiece blank isaccomplished in a safer, more efficient and more economical manner, aswill be described in greater detail below, The die fixture and controlapparatus generally includes: a die fixture 12 for securedly supportinga lower die element and providing a predetermined workpiece nest foraccurately positioning the workpiece blank in the die fixture l2; and acontrol apparatus 14 for automatically moving the die fixture 12 to aloading station 16 (shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 1) wherein theoperator loads a workpiece blank in the die fixture 12 and to stampingstation 18 wherein a predetermined form or shape is imparted to theworkpiece blank. The die fixture and control apparatus 10 isparticularly constructed to be utilized in cooperation with a punchpress (portions of the punch press being schematically indicated in thedrawings in dashed-lines), having an upper punch element 20 (shown indashed-lines in FIG. 1) secured to a movable ram portion of the punchpress and aligned with a lower die element which is securedly positionedin the die fixture 12, and a fixture support plate 22 which is securedto the punch press bolster plate (not shown), sometimes referred tobelow as the punch press fixture support plate 22. The punch press isconstructed to move the upper punch element 20 into engagement with theworkpiece blank to impart, in cooperation with the lower die element, apredetermined form or shape to the workpiece blank in an actuatedstamping position of the punch press and in the stamping station 18position of the die fixture 12, the construction and operation of suchpunch presses being well known to the art.

The control apparatus 14 generally includes: an air supply 24 supplyingpressurized control air or the like to the variouspneumatically-operated components and assemblies of the controlapparatus 14; die fixture actuator 26, having a portion connected to theair supply 24; and a ram controller 28, having a portion connected tothe air supply 24 via a ram actuator 30. it should be specifically notedthat, although the control apparatus 14 is described herein as utilizinga control air supply 24, each or, in one form, any one or more of thevarious components and assemblies of the control apparatus 14 can behydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically operated, the necessarymodifications to incorporate such components and assemblies in thecontrol apparatus 14 will be apparent to those skilled in the art inview of the detailed description of the construction and the operationof the die fixture and control apparatus 10 contained herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, die fixture actuator 26 is, more particularly, apneumatically operated double-acting cylinder having a base 32 and a rod34 reciprocatingly disposed through one end thereof. The end of the base32, opposite the rod 34 end thereof, is pivotally connected to thefixture support plate 22 via a support 36, and the end of the rod 34,opposite the end thereof reciprocatingly disposed through the base 32,is secured to the die fixture 12. The die fixture 12 is movablysupported on the fixture support plate 22 and the die fixture actuator26 is connected to the air supply 24 and to the die fixture 12 to movethe die fixture 12 in a loading direction 38, in one actuated positionthereof, and to move the die fixture 12 in a stamping direction 40, inone other actuated position thereof, during the operation of the diefixture and control apparatus 10, for reasons and in a manner to bedescribed in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fixture control assembly 42 is interposed betweenthe air supply 24 and the die fixture actuator 26. The fixture controlassembly 42 is constructed to adjustably control the die fixture rate oftravel, the stamping station delay time and the loading station delaytime, in a manner to be described in greater detail below.

A fixture control valve 44 is interposed between the air supply 24 andthe die fixture actuator 26, the fixture control valve 44 being, moreparticularly, connected to the air supply 24 via a conduit 46. In apreferred form, the fixture control valve 44 is of the type generallyreferred to in the art as a four-way double pilot valve having twodischarge ports connected to an exhaust discharge (not shown) viaconduits 48 and 50, and two outlet ports, each outlet port beingconnected to a timing control 52 via a pair of conduits 54 and 56, theconduit 56 being connected to a portion of the die fixture actuator 26via a middle valve 84 and a conduit 58. The fixture control valve 44 hasa pair of pilot connections 61 and 63, each pilot connection 61 an 63being connected to the air supply 24 (the pilot connections 61 and 63 ofthe fixture control valve 44, being designated in FIG. 1 by theletter-reference P). More particularly, the pilot connection 61 receivescontrol air via a conduit 62 and the pilot connection 63 receivescontrol air via the conduit 64. The fixture control valve 44, as shownin FIG. 1, has one actuated position wherein the air supply 24 isconnected to the timing control 52 via the conduits 46 and 54, and oneother actuated position wherein the air supply 24 is connected to thetiming control 52 via the conduits 46 and 56, the fixture control valve44 being moved to the actuated positions in response to the pressurizedair being connected to the pilot connections 61 and 63 via the conduits62 and 64 during the operation of the control apparatus 14, in a mannerto be described in greater detail below.

The conduits 54 and 56 are each connected to a pneumatically operatedtiming actuator 68, the timing actuator 68 being, more particularly andin a preferred form, double-acting pneumatic cylinder and the conduits54 and 56 each being connected to one of the port openings of the timingactuator 68. As diagramatically indicated in FIG. 1, the timing actuator68 has a rod 70 reciprocatingly disposed therein and a trip plate 72 isconnected to the end of the rod 70, opposite the end thereofreciprocating disposed in the timing actuator 68. The timing actuator 68is constructed such that, in

one actuated position of the control valve 44 whereinthe pressurized airis connected to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 56, the rod 70thereof is moved in a general direction 74 and such that, in one otheractuated position of the fixture control valve 44 wherein thepressurized air is connected to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit54, the rod 70 thereof is moved in a direction 76, generally oppositethe direction 74, for reasons which will be made apparent below.

A loading station control 78 interposed in the conduit 54 generallybetween the fixture control valve 44 and the timing actuator 68, theconduit 54 being connected to the die fixture actuator 26 via a conduit80 connected generally between the fixture control valve 44 and theloading station control 78. A stamping station control 82 is interposedin the conduit 56, generally between the fixture control valve 44 andthe timing actuator 68 and the conduit 56 is, more particularly,connected to the die fixture actuator 26 via the conduit 58 connectedgenerally between the fixture control valve 44 and the stamping stationcontrol 82, a needle valve 84 being interposed in the conduit 58generally between the fixture control valve 44 and the die fixtureactuator 26.

The air supply 24 is also connected to the ram actuator 30, a ramcontrol valve 86, a first direction control 88, a second directioncontrol 90 and a hand control valve 92 via the conduit 46. The ramcontrol valve 86 has an opened and a closed position and is, in apreferred form, a three-way valve, having a trip arm 94, the ram controlvalve 86 being normally closed and tripped to the open position via theengagement between the trip plate 72 and the trip arm 94.

The ram control valve 86 is connected to a trip cylinder 96, having atrip plate 98, via a conduit 100, the trip cylinder 96 being, in apreferred form, a pneumatically operated, single acting cylinderhaving apiston rod reciprocatingly disposed therein and the trip plate 98 beingsecured on one end of the piston rod. The trip cylinder 96 isconstructed to move the trip plate 98 connected thereto in a generaldirection 102 in an open position of the ram control valve 86 connectingthe air supply 24 to the trip cylinder 96.

The ram actuator 30 has an opened and a closed position and, in apreferred form, is a three-way valve, having a trip arm 104, the ramactuator 30 being normally closed and tripped to the opened position inan engaged position of the trip arm 104. The trip cylinder 96 isdisposed with respect to the ram actuator 30 such that, when the tripcylinder 96 is actuated via the opening of the ram control valve 86, thetrip plate 98 is moved in a direction 102 engaging the trip arm 104,thereby opening the ram actuator 30 connection the air supply 24 to theram controller 28 during one portion of the operation of the controlapparatus 14.

The first direction control 88 and the second direction control 90 eachhave an opened and a closed posidirection controls 88 and 90 are eachthree-way valves, having trip arms 106 and 108, respectfully. The firstdirection control 88 is normally closed and actuated to the openposition by the engagement between the trip plate 72 of the timingactuator 68 and the trip arm 106 of the first direction control 88,thereby connecting the air supply 24 to the pilot connection 61 via ashuttle valve 110 and a conduit 112.

The hand control valve 92 has an opened and a closed position and is, ina preferred form, a three-way valve which is preferably mounted inclosed proximity to the punch press operator and constructed such thatthe hand control valve 92 is normally closed and tripped open by thepunch press operator to stop the operation of the die fixture andcontrol apparatus 10. In the opened position of the hand control valve92, the air supply 24 is connected to the pilot connection 61 via theshuttle valve 110 and a conduit 114 returning the die fixture 12 to theloading station 16 position, in an actuated or tripped open position ofthe hand control valve 92. The shuttle valve 110 is thus constructed toconnect the air supply 24 to one of the pilot connection 61 of thefixture control valve 44 via the first direction control 88 in a trippedopen position thereof and via the hand control valve 92 in a trippedopen position thereof.

The loading station control 78 is, in a preferred form, a flow controlvalve constructed to provide a virtually tion and, in a preferred form,the first and the second i unobstructed flow of fluid from the timingactuator 68 toward the fixture control valve 44 through the conduit 54and to provide a variably adjustable flow of fluid from the fixturecontrol valve 44 toward the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 54. Theloading station control 78 thus adjustably controls the flow of fluid toactuate the timing actuator 68 to variably control the rate at which thereciprocating piston rod 70 moves in a direction 76 to engage the triparm 108 of the second direction control 90, thereby controlling theloading station delay time wherein the control] apparatus 14 maintainsthe die fixture 12 positioned at the loading station 16, in a manner tobe made more apparent below.

The stamping station control 82 is, in a preferred form, also a flowcontrol valve wherein the flow of fluid from the fixture control valve44 to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 56 is variably adjustableand the flow of fluid through the stamping station control 82 from thetiming actuator 68 towad the fixture control valve 44 is virtuallyunobstructed, thereby permitting a freeflowing discharge of fluid fromone portion of th timing actuator 68. The stamping station control 82thus adjustably controls the flow of fluid to actuate the timingactuator 68 to variably control the rate at which the reciprocatingpiston rod 70 moves in a direction 74 to engage the trip arm 106 of thefirst direction control 88, thereby controlling the stamping stationdelay time wherein the control apparatus 14 maintains the die fixture 12positioned at the stamping station 18, in a manner to be made moreapparent below.

The ram controller 28 is, in a preferred form, a single-actuatingcylinder which is connected to the air supply 24 and to the punch pressto position the punch press in an actuated stamping position wherein theupper punch element 20 is moved into forming engagement with theworkpiece blank, in an actuated position of the ram controller 28; thatis, a position wherein the ram actuator 30 is tripped to the openposition and the air supply 24 is connected through the ram actuator 30to the ram controller 28.

Assuming that the die fixture 12 is in the loading station 16 position(shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 1) the timing actuator 68 is connected tothe air supply 24 via the fixture control valve 44 and the loadingstation control 78 and the piston rod 70 thereof is biased in adirection 76 to a position engaging trip arm 102 of the second directioncontrol 90, thereby opening the second direction control and connectingthe air supply 24 to the pilot connection 63 of the fixture controlvalve 44 via the conduit 64. When the fixture control valve 44 isactuated via the pilot connection 63 receiving pressurized air from theair supply 24 through the second direction control 90, the fixturecontrol valve 44 is positioned to connect the air supply 24 to thetiming actuator 68 via the conduit 56 and the stamping station control82 moving the rod 70 of the timing actuator 68 in a direction 74 andconnecting the air supply 24 to the die fixture actuator 26 via theconduits 46, 56, and 58, the die fixture actuator 26 being positioned tomove the die fixture 12 in a direction 40 to the stamping station 18position.

After the stop plate 72 has been moved via the timing actuator 68 in adirection 74 through a distance 116, the stop plate 72 will engage thetrip arm 94 of the ram control valve 86, thereby positioning the ramcontrol valve 86 in an opened position connecting the air supply 24 tothe trip cylinder 96 and actuating the trip cylinder 96. In an actuatedposition of the trip cylinder 96, the trip plate 98 will be biased in ageneral direction 102 into engagement with the trip arm 104 of the ramactuator 30, thereby biasing the ram actuator 30 to an opened positionconnecting the air supply 24 to the ram controller 28 and positioningthe punch press in an actuated stamping position wherein the upper punchelement 20 is moved into stamping or forming engagement with theworkpiece blank.

After the ram control valve 86 has been actuated via the timing actuator68, the trip plate 72 of the timing actuator 68 will continue to move inthe general direction 74 a distance 118 to a position wherein the tripplate 72 engages the trip arm 106 of the first direction control 88biasing or tripping the first direction control 88 to the openedposition thereof connecting air supply 24 to the pilot connection 61 ofthe fixture control valve 44 via the conduits 46, 112 and 62. When thefixture control valve 44 is actuated via the pilot connection 61receiving pressurized air from the air supply 24 through the firstdirection control 88, the fixture control valve 44 is positioned toconnect the air supply 24 to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 54and the loading station control 78 moving the rod 70 of the timingactuator 68 in a direction 76 and connecting the air supply 24 to thedie fixture actuator 26 via the conduits 46, 54 and 80, the die fixtureactuator 26 being positioned to move the die fixture 12 in a direction38 to the loading station 16 position.

The control apparatus 14 is thus constructed to automatically move thedie fixture 12 to the loading station 16 and to the stamping station 18at controlled, predetermined intervals of time during the operation ofthe die fixture and control apparatus 10. As indicated in FIG. 1, thedie fixture 12 is disposed generally under a guard 119 and, moreparticularly, the guard 119 protectively encompasses a substantialportion of the die fixture l2 and lower die element supported thereonand the upper punch element 20 in the stamping station 18 position ofthe die fixture 12, during the operation of the die fixture and controlapparatus 10, for reasons and in a manner to be described in greaterdetail below.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the die fixture 12 includes abase 120 having an upper face 122 and a lower face 124. the base 120 issupported on the fixture support plate 22 of the punch press (not shown)via a base support 126 and, in one preferred form, the die fixture 12 isconstructed such that the base 120 is supported generally above thefixture support plate 22 via the base support 126, as shown more clearlyin FIG. 4, thereby reducing sliding friction between the lower face 124of the base 120 and the fixture support plate 22 during the operation ofthe die fixture and control apparatus 10.

The base support 126, more particularly, includes a pair of flangeconnectors 128, one of the flange connectors 128 being secured to oneside 130 of the base 120 and the other flange connector 128 beingsecured to the opposite side 132 of the base 120. Each flange connector128 includes a pair of guide flanges 134 formed thereon and extending adistance therefrom, each guide flange 134 being, more particularly,formed on one end of one of the flange connectors 128. A guide opening136 is formed through each guide flange 134, and in a preferred form asshown in FIG. 2, a bushing 138 is secured in each guide opening 136.

In the assembled position of the flange connectors 128 to he basesupport 126, the guide openings 136 formed through the flange connectors128 connectd to the side of the base 120 are generally aligned and sizedfor slidingly receiving a guide rod 140, and the guide openings 136formed through the guide flanges 134 connected to the flange connector128 connected to the side 132 of the base 120 are generally aligned andsized to slidingly receive a guide rod 142.

The base support 126 thus includes the guide rods 140 and 142, the guiderod 140 an 142 each being secured to the fixture support plate 22 of thepunch press (not shown) and securedly supported in an assembled positionvia a guide rod support 144 connected to the opposite ends of the guiderods 140 and 1 42. The base support 126 thus supports the base 122 in anassembled position and defines a guide path for maintaining the diefixture 12 in a predetermined path of travel as the die fixture 12 ismoved in a loading direction 38 and a stamping direction 40 via the diefixture actuator 26.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of base index openings 146 areformed in the upper face 122 of the base 120 (only some of the baseindex openings 146 being designated by a reference numeral in FIGS. 2and 3 for the purpose of clarity of description). In a preferred form,the base index openings 146 are each threaded and spaced on the upperface 122 of the base 120 to provide a predetermined base index pattern148 for locating a lower die element 150, a horizontal support 152 and avertical support 154 in predetermined, controlled positions on the upperface 122 of the base 120.

Each base index opening 146 is, more particularly, located in the upperface 122 of the base 120 and posi tioned such that the location of eachbase index opening 146 is identifiable via locating indicia. Moreparticularly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base indexopenings 146 are located and spaced to form a base index pattern 148wherein the base index openings 146 are generally aligned in horizontaland vertical rows, each base index opening being identifiable via avertical indicia 156 (each horizontal row of base index openings 146being identifiable by one of the letters B through L) and horizontalindicia 158 (each vertical row of base index openings 146 beingidentifiable by one of the numerals l through 5 Thus, in this form ofbase index pattern 148, each base index opening 146 is identifiable viaone of the letters of the vertical locating indicia 156 identifying thehorizontal.

row corresponding the particular vertical locating indica 156 and one ofthe numerals of the horizontal locating indicia 158 identifying thevertical row corresponding to the particular vertical locating indicia158.

The lower die element is secured to the upper face 122 of the base 120via a plurality of threaded fasteners 160, each threaded fastener 160being threadedly secured in one of the base index openings 146 to securethe lower'die element 150 in an assembled position. In one form, one ofthe vertical locating indicia 156 and one of the horizontal locatingindicia 158 are associated with each of the openings in the lower dieelement 150 through which one of the threaded fasteners 160 extends,each pair of vertical locating indicia 156 and horizontallocatingindicia 158 identifying the particular base index opening 146 throughwhich the particular threaded fastener 160 is to be secured. Thus, thevertical locating indicia 156 and the horizontal loeating indicia 158associated with each of the openings in the lower die element 150positively define the position of the lower die element 150 on the uppersurface 122 of the base 120.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the horizontal support 152 andthe vertical support 154 are also secured to the upper surface 122 ofthe base 120 via threaded fasteners 160. In one form, one of thevertical locating indicia 156 and one of the horizontal locating indicia158 are associated with each of the openings through the horizontalsupport 152 receiving the threaded fasteners 160, in a manner similar tothat described before with respect to the lower die element- 150 and thethreaded fasteners 160, such that the horizontal support 152 can besecured in predetermined positions on the upper surface 122 of the base120. Also, in one form, one of the vertical locating indicia 156 and oneof the horizontal locating indicia 158 are associated with each of theopenings through the vertical support 154 receiving one of the threadedfasteners 160, in a manner similar to that described before with respectto the lower die element 150 and the threaded fasteners 160, such thatthe vertical support 154 can also be secured in predetermined positionson the upper surface 122 of the base 120.

The horizontal support 152 is basically rectangularly shaped and has anupper face 162 and a lower face 164, the lower face 164 of thehorizontal support 152 being disposed generally adjacent to the upperface 122 of the base 120, and the upper face 162 of the horizontalsupport 152 being disposed a distance 166 above the upper face 122 ofthe base 120 in a horizontal plane generally coplanar with thehorizontal planar disposition of the upper face 122 of the base 120. Aplurality of horizontal support index openings 168 are formed in theupper face 162 of the horizontal support 152. The horizontal supportindex openings 168 are each identifiable via locating indicia, anddisposed and spaced on the upper face 162 of the horizontal support 152to form a horizontal support index pattern 170 for positioning one ormore locators 172 in predetermined positions on the upper face 162 ofthe horizontal support 152 (two locators 172 being disposed on the upperface 162 of the horizontal support 152 in FIG. 3, for example). 1

In one form and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the horizontal support indexopenings 168 are spaced on the upper face 162 of the horizontal support152 to form a horizontal support index pattern 170 wherein thehorizontal support index openings 168 are disposed in two horizontallyextending rows (one of the rows being designated in FIG. 3 by theletter-reference A and the other row being designated in FIG. 3 by theletterreference B"). Also, in one form, the horizontal support indexopenings 168 are spaced on the upper face 162 of the horizontal support152 to form angularly oriented vertical rows wherein the horizontalsupport index openings 168 in one row are offset with respect to thehorizontal support index openings 168 in the other row for positioningthe locators l72 in predetermined angular positions (each of thevertical rows being designated by a numeral-reference on the upper face162 of the horizontal support 152).

The vertical support 154 is basically rectangularly shaped and has anupper face 174 and a lower face 176, the lower face 176 being-disposedgenerally adjacent to the upper face 122 of the base 120, and the upperface 174 being disposed a distance 178 in a horizontal plane generallyabove the upper face 122 of the base 120, and the horizontal planardisposition of the upper face 174 being generally coplanar with thehorizontal planar disposition of the upper face 122 of the base 120. Aplurality of vertical support index openings 180 are formed in the upperface 174 of the vertical support 154. The vertical support indexopenings 180 are each identifiable via locating indicia, and disposedand spaced on the upper face 174 to form a vertical support indexpattern 182 for positioning one or more of the locators 172 inpredetermined positions on the upper face 174 of the vertical support154 (one locator 172 being disposed on the upper face 174 of thevertical support 154 in FIG. 3, for example).

In one form and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vertical support indexopenings 180 are spaced on the upper face 174 of the vertical support154 to form a vertical support index pattern 182 wherein the verticalsupport index openings180 are disposed in two vertically extending rows(one of the rows being designated in FIG. 3 by the letter-reference Cand the other row being designated in FIG. 3 by the letter-reference D).Also, in one form, the vertical support index openings 182 are spaced onthe upper face 174 to form angularly oriented horizontal rows whereinthe vertical support index openings 182 in one row are: offset withrespect to the vertical support index openings 184 in the other row forpositioning the locators 172 in predetermined angular positions (each ofthe horizontal rows being designated by a numeral-reference on the upperface 174 of the vertical support 154).

The locators 172 each include a blank engaging surface 190, a stopsurface 192 and locator opening 194 formed through a portion of eachlocator. In an assembled position of the die fixture and controlapparatus 10, each locator 172 is removably secured in a predeterminedposition on one of the upper surfaces 162 and 174 of the horizontal andthe vertical supports 152 and 154 to securedly and positively positioneach locator 172 in one direction, and the stop surfaces 192 of eachlocator 172 engage one of the engaging surfaces 198 and 200, theengaging surface 198 being formed on the horizontal support 152 and theengaging surface 200 being formed on the vertical support154, tosecuredly and positively position each of the locators 172 in one otherdirection. More particularly, each of the locators 172 are positioned ina predetermined position on one of the upper faces 162 and 174 of thehorizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 such that the blankengaging surfaces of each of the locators 172 are disposed in apredetermined position to engage a portion of a workpiece blank 202(shown in dashed-lines in FIG. 3) to position the workpiece blank 202 ina predetermined, controlled position with respect to the lower dieelement 150.

More paticularly, each of the locators 172 includes a locator base 206having a pair of elongated openings 208-formed therethrough, theelongated openings 208 formed through each locator base 206 comprisingthe locator opening 194 through each locator 172. An elongated fingerelement 210 is formed on one end of each of the locator bases 206, thefinger element 210 extending a distance from the locator base 206connected thereto. In one form, the finger elements 210 extend generallyperpendicularly from the base 206 and, in one other form, one or more ofthe locators 172 are constructed such that the finger elements 210formed thereon extend generally angularly from the base 206 (one of thelocators 172 being shown in FIG. 3 having an angularly oriented fingerelement 210a, for example). In a preferred form, the stop surfaces 192formed on the locators 172 is, more particularly, formed by a stopelement 212 which is removably secured to the locators 172 via threadedfasteners .214, one of the threaded fasteners 214 extending through eachof the openings 208 to threadingly engage and securedly connect one ofthe stop elements 212 to each of the locators 172.

Each of the locators 172 is, more particularly, secured to one of theupper faces 162 and 174 of the horizontal and the vertical supports 152and 154 via a pair of threaded fasteners 216, each threaded fastener 216extending through one of the elongated openings 208 into threadedengagement with a predetermined index opening of one of the horizontaland the vertical support index patterns 170 and 182. In a preferredform, a pair of locating indicia are marked on the upper surface of eachof the locator bases 206, each pair of locating indicia being associatedwith one of the elongated openings 208 (only one of the locating indicia218 on one of the locators 172 being designated in FIG. 3 for thepurpose of clarity of description).

In an assembled position, each locator 172 is positioned on one of theupper faces 162 and 174 to a position wherein the stop surface 192 ofeach stop element 212 engages one of the engaging surfaces 198 and 200,thereby positively positioning the locators 172 in one direction. Eachof the locators 172 is then positioned on one of the upper faces 162 and174 to a position wherein the elongated openings 208 are disposedgenerally above and aligned with the index opening identified with theparticular elongated opening 208 via the locating indicia 218, one ofthe threaded fasteners 216 being secured through each elongated opening208 and through the index openings designated by the locating indicia218 to secure each locator 172 in a predetermined position on one of theupper faces 162 and 174. The threaded fasteners 216 and the elongatedopenings 208 are sized such that the threaded fasteners 216 engage thesurfaces formed in the locator bases 206 by the elongated openings 208to position each locator 172 in a direction generally perpendicular tothe elongated opening, thereby cooperating with the stop surface 192 ofthe stop elements 212 to securedly position each locator 172 in onepredetermined position on one of the upper faces 162 and 174 of thehorizontal and the vertical support 152 and 154. In this position ofeach of the locators 172, the blank engaging surfaces 190 of thelocators 172 cooperate to engage portions of the workpiece blank 202 toposition the workpiece blank 202 in a predetermined position withrespect to the lower die element 150, during the operation of the diefixture and control apparatus 10.

Thus, locating indicia are marked on each of the locators 172, thehorizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 and on the associatedlower die element 150, the marked locators 172, the marked supports 152and 154 and the marked die element providing a permanent assembly whichcan be assembled and disassembled on the base 120 in a fast, efficientand positive manner. In one operational embodiment, each of these markedcomponents and assemblies are then stored for future assembly on thebase 120, thereby providing a permanent, yet removable, assembly forsubsequent workpiece forming operations.

The guard 119, generally described before, encompasses the upper portionof the die fixture 12, the upper punch element 20 and a portion of theram actuating components at the punch press when the die fixture 12 isin the stamping station 18, as diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 1,thereby substantially preventing an individuals hand from beingpositioned near the engaging portions of the punch press during thestamping operation and substantially reducing the possibility ofinjuries. During the operation of the die fixture and control apparatus10, the die fixture 12 is automatically moved to a position wherein theoperator can position the workpiece blank on the die fixture 12, andsubsequently moved under the protective covering provided via the guard119 to the stamping station 18.

The guard 119, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 1 and 4, is supported onthe fixture support plate 22 via a guard support 220 having a guardopening 222 formed through a front portion thereof. The guard 119 has atapered front portion on 223 forming guard edges 224 and 226, the guardedge 226 forming the upper edge of the guard opening 222. The guardopening 222 is sized such that the die fixture 12 can be movedtherethrough to the loading station 16 and the stamping station 18, andthe guard edge 226 is disposed in a horizontal plane allowing a minimumclearance between the lower guard edge 226 and the die fixture 12 tofurther reduce the opportunity of the operators hand being disposed nearthe workpiece forming portions of the punch press during the stampingoperation. The tapered portion 223 of the guard 119 permits the guard119 to be constructed to efficiently encompass the portions of the punchpress and die fixture l2 and yet position the guard edge 226 immediatelyover the die fixture 12 at a position reducing the distance of travelrequired to move the die fixture 12 to the loading station 16 (therelative positions of the guard edges 224 and 226 being indicated inFIG. 2 in dashed-lines).

Operation of FIGS. 1 Through 4 The die fixture and control apparatus 10,described before, is particularly useful in connection with punch pressoperations wherein a relatively small quantity of workpiece blanks areformed on an intermittent basis requiring various upper punch elements,lower die elements and workpiece blank positioning assemblies to beperiodically assembled and disassembled in the punch press. The diefixture 12 is thus constructed to provide a punch press assembly forimparting a plurality of predetermined shapes and forms to predeterminedworkpiece blanks wherein each assembly for imparting a particularpredetermined shape or form to predetermined workpiece blank can beassembled and disassembled on the base 120 in a fast, efficient andpositive manner, substantially eliminating the set-up time normallyrequired to assemble and align the upper and the lower die elements andthe components for positioning the workpiece blank in the punch pressfor subsequent forming operations and in such a manner that the variouscomponents and asemblies can be secured to the base 120 by a relativelyunskilled operator, thereby substantially reducing the set-up costsnormally incurred in such operations.

The die fixture 12 is supported on the fixture support plate 22 of thepunch press (not shown) such that the die fixture 12 is automaticallymoved to the loading station 16 and to the stamping station 18 via thecontrol apparatus 14 in such a manner that the operator positions theworkpiece blank on the lower die element 150 engaging the blank engagingsurface 190 of the locators 172, and the die fixture 12 is automaticallymoved to the stamping station 18 wherein the workpiece blank is formedby the configurations of the upper punch element and the lower dieelement, the die fixture 12 being subsequently moved back to the loadingstation 16. The guard 119 remains stationarily interposed between theoperator and the die fixture 12 during the stamping operation tovirturally eliminate the possiblity of the operator being injuredduringthe stamping operation.

When the lower die element 150 is initially utilized to form a workpieceblank 202, the lower die element 150 is secured to the base 120 via thefasteners 160 in an aligned position with respectto the upper punchelement 20 connnected to ram of the punch press. After a sufficientnumber of workpiece blanks l50have been formed in the punch press toassure that the lower die element 150 is properly positioned andaligned, the operator inscribes, etches or otherwise permanently marks alocating indicia on the lower die element 150, generally near eachopening receiving one of the fasteners 160, each locating indiciaidentifying one particular base index opening 146 through which thefastener 160 is to be engaged, securing a portion of the lower dieelement 150 to the base 120. Each locating indicia is, in one form,comprised of one of the vertical locating indicia 156 and one of thehorizontal locating indicia 158, thereby uniquely identifying onepredetermined base index opening 146. Thus, the locating indicia on thelower die element 150 uniquely identify the proper, aligned position ofthe lower die element 150 so the lower die element 150 can be removedand subsequently assembled on the base 120 in a predetermined, alignedposition utilizing the locating indicia.

The required, predetermined number of locators 172 are then positionedon the upper faces 162 and 174 of the horizontal and the verticalsupports 152 and 154 in such a manner that the elongated finger elements120 extend generally over the upper surface 122 of the base 120 and theblank engaging surfaces 190 are positioned to engage and positivelylocate the particular workpiece blank 202 with respect to the lower dieelement 150. More particularly, each locator 172 is positioned on one ofthe upper faces 162 and 174 such that the stop surface 192 engages oneof the engaging surfaces 198 and 200 to properly position each blankengaging a surface 190 to engage a portion of the workpiece blank 202 ina predetermined position of the workpiece blank 202 with respect to thelower die element 150.

As mentioned before each stop element 212 is, in a preferred form,removably secured to one of the locators 172 and, in this form, one stopelement 212 is loosely fastened to each locator 172 via the fasteners214 and each locator 172 is positioned on the upper faces 162 and 174 ofthe horizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 such that eachblank engaging surface 190 engages a portion of the workpiece blank 202in a predetermined position of the workpiece blank 202 with respect tothe lower die element 150. In this position of the locators 172, eachstop element 212 is slidingly moved to a position wherein the stopsurface 192 thereof engages one of the engaging surfaces 198 and 200 ofthe horizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154, the fasteners 214slidingly moving along the elongated openings 208. Each stop element 212is then secured to the locator 172 by tightening the fasteners 214. Inone form, the stop elements 212 can be formed on the locators 172;however, the removable stop element construction provides a moreflexible locator assembly. I

Each locator 172 is positioned on one of the upper faces 162 and 174 ofthe horizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 in a direction,generally perpendicular to the direction located via the locating engagment between the stop surfaces 19.2 and the engaging surfaces 198 and200, to a position wherein the blank engaging surfaces 190 engagepredetermined portions of the workpiece blank 202, each locator 172being then positioned such that the locator openings 194 of each locator172 are aligned with predetermined horizontal or vertical support indexopenings 168 and 180. In this position each of the locators 172 issecured to one of the upper faces 162 and 174 via the fasteners 216 andthe locating indicia 218 is inscribed or otherwise marked in closeproximity to the elongated openings 208 for future reference.

In one form, mentioned before, locating indicia, simi lar to thelocating indicia on the lower die element and the locating indicia 218marked on the locators 172, is also marked in close proximity to theopenins in the hoizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 receivingthe fasteners 160. In this form, the horizontal and the vertical suppots152 and 154 are located on the upper face 122 of the base 120 andsecured thereto via the fasteners 160, each of the fasteners threadinglyengaging the base index opening 146 indicated via th locating indicia toposition the horizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154 inpredetermined positions on the base 120.

After the lower die element 150, the horizontal and the verticalsupports 152 and 154 and the locators 172 have been initially assembledon the die fixture l2 and the various locating indicia marked thereon,each of these elements can be disassembled and subsequently re-assembledon the base 120 utilizing only the marked locating indicia to locateeach of the elements. For example, one ofthe locators 172 has locatingindicia 218 marked thereon, B3, generally near one of the elongatedopenings 208 and B4, generally near the other elongated opening 208. Inthis example, the operator positions the locator 172 on the horizontalsupport 152 to a position wherein the stop surface 192 engages theengaging surface 198 and the locator 172 is then moved to a positionwherein the elongated openings 208 are aligned with the hoirzontalsupport index openings 168 corresponding to the locating indicia B3 andB4; that is the horizontal support index opening 168 in the horizontalrow identified by the letter B, in the FIG. 3, and in the vertical rowidentified by the numeral 3, with respect to one elongated opening 208,and in the vertical row identified by the numeral 4, with respect to theother elongated opening 208. In this position of the locators 172, oneof the fasteners 216 is inserted through each elongated opening 208 andinto threaded engagement with horizontal support index opening 168identified via the locating indicia 218 associated with the particularopening 208 securing the locator 172 to the upper face 162 of thehorizontal support 152 in a predetermined position.

The locator 172 secured to the vertical support 154 has locating indicia218 (C and D6) marked near the elongated openings 208. Thus, one of thefasteners 216 is disposed through one of the openings 208 into threadedengagement with the vertical support index opening 180 in the verticalrow designated in FIG. 3 by the letter-reference D and in the horizontalrow designated by the numeral-reference 6, and one of the fasteners 216is disposed through the other opening 208 into threaded engagement withthe vertical support index opening 180 in the vertical row designated inFIG. 3 by the letter-reference C and in the horizontal row deisgnated bythe numeral-reference 5, thereby securing the locator 172 in anangularly extending, predetermined position on the upper face 174 of thevertical support 154 After the upper punch element 20 has been securedin the punch press and the lower die element 150, the horizontal and thevertical supports 152 and 154 have been secured to the base 120, and thelocators 172 have been secured to the upper faces 162 and 174 of thehorizontal and the vertical supports 152 and 154, the die fixture 12 isin as assembled, operating position for forming or shaping workpieceblanks. The operator will then controllingly adjust the loading stationcontrol 78 to set the time during which the die fixture 12 remainsstationary at the loading station 16, the stamping station control 82 toset the time during which the die fixture 12 remains stationary at thestamping station 18, and the needle valve 84 to set the rate of travelof the die fixture 12 or more particularly, the rate of travel of thebase 120 being moved in a loading direction 38 and in a stampingdirection 40.

The timing actuator 68 is initially connected to the air supply 24 viathe fixture control valve 44 and the loading station control 78, andactuated via the pilot connection 61, thereby holding the die fixture 12at the loading station 16. In this position, the operator positions theworkpiece blank generally on the lower die element 150 to a positionwherein the workpiece blank 150 engages the blank engaging surfaces 190of the 10- cators 172, and releases the hand control valve 92 or, inother words, closes the hand control valve 92 to initiate the automaticoperation of the die fixture and control apparatus 10.

When the hand control valve 92 is closed, the air supply 24 isdisconnected from the pilot connection 61 and the trip arm 108 of thesecond direction control 90 is engaged by the trip plate 72 of thetiming actuator 68, thereby opening the second direction control 90 andconnecting the air supply 24 to the pilot connection 63, via the seconddirection control 90. When the fixture control valve 44 is actuated viathe pilot connection 63, the fixture control valve 44 is positioned toconnect the air supply 24 to the timing actuator 68 via the stampingstation control 82, and to connect the air supply 24 to the die fixtureactuator 26 via the conduit 58, the trip plate 72 of the timing actuator68 being moved in a general direction 74 and the die fixture 12 beingmoved in a stamping direction 40 to a stamping position 18.

After the die fixture 12 has been moved to the stamping position 18, thetrip plate 72 moving in the direction 74 will subsequently engage thetrip arm 94 of the ram control valve 86 opening the ram control valve 86and connecting the air supply 24 to the trip cylinder 96. When the airsupply 24 is connected to the trip cylinder 96, the trip plate 98 willbe moved in a direction 102 into engagement with the trip arm 104 of theram actu ator 30 and connecting the air supply 24 to the ram controller28.

As mentioned before, the ram controller 28 is connected to the punchpress to actuate the ram driving the upper punch element 20 into formingengagement with the workpiece blank 202 in an actuatd position of theram controller 28 wherein the air supply 24 is connected thereto via theram actuator 30. The trip plate 72 will continue to be moved in thedirection 74 to a position wherein the trip plate 72 engages the triparm 106 of the first direction control 88, thereby opening the firstdirection control 88 and connecting the air supply 24 to the pilotconnection 61 of the fixture control valve 44 via the shuttle valve 110.

The fixture control valve 44 is positioned to connect the air supply 24to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 54 and the loading stationcontrol 78 when actuated via the pilot connection 61 receivingpressurized air via the first direction control 88. In this position ofthe the fixture control valve 44, the trip plate 72 is moved in adirection 76, and the air supply 24 is connected to the die fixtureactuator 26 via the conduit 80 thereby moving the die fixture 12 in aloading direction 38 to a loading position 16.

The die fixture 12 will remain in the loading position 16 as the tripplate 72 is moved through the distances 118 and 116 in the direction 76via the timing actuator 68. The trip plate 72 will then engage the triparm 108 of the second direction control to trip the second directioncontrol 90 to the opened position connecting the air supply 24 to thepilot connection 63 of fixture control valve 44. When the fixturecontrol valve 44 is actuated via the pilot connection 63 in the openedposition of the second direction control 90, the air supply 24 isconnected to the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 56 and to the diefixture actuator 26 via the conduit 58, the trip plate 72 being moved ina direction 74 and the die fixture 12 being moved to the loading station16, in a manner described before.

The die fixture 12 will continue to be automatically moved to theloading station 16 and to the stamping station 20, in a manner describedabove, during the operation of the die fixture and control apparatus 10.If the operator, at any time, desires to stop the cyclic operation ofdie fixture and control apparatus 10, the operator merely actuates thehand control valve 92 to the opened position, thereby connecting the airsupply 24 to the pilot connection 61 via the shuttle valve 110. In thisposition of the hand control valve 92 and the fixture control valve 44,the die fixture 1.2 will be moved to the loading position 16 via thediefixture actuator 26 and will remain in this position until the operatorreleases or, in other words, closes the hand control valve 92 to againinitiate the cyclic operation of the die fixture and control apparatus10.

The time required for the trip plate 72 to be moved in a direction 74via the timing actuator 68 through the distances 116 and 118 intoengagement with the trip arm 106 of the first control valve 88determines the time during which the die fixture 12 remains in thestamping station 18 during each cycle of the die fixture 12, sometimesreferred to herein as the stamping station delay time. The stampingstation delay time is partially controlled by the distances 116 and 118,the distance 116 being more particularly determined to assure the diefixture 12 has been moved to stamping station 18 prior to the actuationof the ram of the punch press. Assuming the distances 116 and 118 areinitially set to predetermined values, the stamping station delay timeis then variably adjusted to predetermined values vvia the stampingstation control 82 and, more particularly, by adjusting the flow rate ofthe pressurized air from the air supply 24 through the stamping stationcontrol 82 via the conduit 56, thereby controlling the rate at which thepressurized air enters the timing actuator 68 via the conduit 56 tocontrol the rate at which the trip plate 72 is moved in the direction74.

The time required for the trip plate 72 to be moved in a direction 76via the timing actuator 68 through the distances 116 and 118 intoengagement with the trip arm 108 of the second control valve 90determines the time during which the die fixture 12 remains in theloading station 16 during each cycle at the die fixture 12, sometimesreferred to herein as the loading station delay time. The loadingstation delay time is also partially controlled by the distances 116 and118 and assuming the distances 116 and 118 are initially set topredetermined values, the loading station delay time is then variablyadjustable to predetermined values via the loading station control 78,thereby controllably adjusting the flow rate of the pressurized air fromthe air supply 24 through the loading station control 78 via the conduit54 to control the rate at which the pressurized air enters the timingactuator 68 via the conduit 54 and the rate at which the trip plate 72is moved in the direction 76.

The control of the flow rate of the pressurized air through the loadingstation control 78 and the stamping station control 83 thus controls theloading station delay time and the stamping station delay time,respectively. Further, since the loading and the stamping stationcontrols 78 and 92 each are constructed to control the flow of fluid inonly one direction therethrough, the loading and the stamping stationcontrols 78 and 82 each provide a virtually non-obstructed flow path fordischarging fluid from the timing actuator 68 during the operation ofthe control apparatus 14 and, thus, the loading and the stamping stationcontrols 78 and 82 adjustably control the loading station delay time andthe stamping station delay time, independent of the setting of the othercontrol.

The rate of travel of the die fixture 12 moving to the loading station16 and to the stamping station 18 is controllable by adjusting the flowrate of the pressurized air through'the needle valve 84. In one positionof the fixture control valve 44, the pressurized air flows through theneedle valve 84 to the die fixture actuator 26 and, in one otherposition of the fixture control valve 44, the pressurized air isdischarged from the die fixture actuator 26 through the needle valve 84,the needle valve 84 thereby controlling the flow of pressurized airgenerally within the die fixture actuator 26 in both actuated positionsof the fixture control valve 44.

Description of FIGS. Through 7 Shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 is a modifieddie fixture 12b having a modified base 120 supported on a modifiedfixture support plate 22b of the punch press (not shown) which isconstructed to support a modified lower die element l50b. The fixturesupport plate 22b includes an opening 234 for accommodating an aircushion pad (not shown) or the like to be utilized in cooperation withthe modified lower die element 15011,

the utilization and construction of air cushion pads being well known inthe art.

The lower die element 15% includes a pad 236 dis posed in the formgroove 237 therein (the form groove beingshown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 asbeing generally U- shaped, for the purpose of example), the upper punchelement (not shown) being modified to engage the workpiece blank andforce a portion thereof into the form groove 237 imparting a U-shapedform at a predetermined portion of the workpiece blank. A plurality ofair cushion pin holes 238are formed in the upper face l22b of the base120, the air cushion pin holes 238 being spaced generally between thebase index openings 146. More particularly, each of the air cushion pinholes 238 in the base are disposed to be in alignment with one of aplurality of air cushion pin holes 240 formed through the lower dieelement b, in an assembled position of the lower die element 150]: tothe base 120. The air cushion pin holes 238 (two air cushion pin holes238 being shown in the drawings) intersect the portion of the lower dieelement 150b formed by the form groove 237 therein, and include aportion having a larger diameter with respect to the diameter of theremaining portion of the air cushion pin holes 238, thereby forming anannular ledge 242 in each of the air cushion pin holes 238, for reasonsto be made more apparent below.

Each annular ledge 242 is sized and positioned to retainingly engage oneend .of a spring 244 disposed about a cushion pin 246, the opposite endof the spring 244 engaging the head of the cushion pin 246 biasing eachcushion pin 246 in a general direction 248. Each cushion pin 246isdisposed in one of air cushion pin holes 240 and partially disposedthrough the aligned air cushion pin hole 238 in base 120. Thus, eachcushion pin 246 is biased in a general direction 248 into engagementwith the pad 236 via the spring 244 disposed thereabout. In the stampingstation 18 of the die fixture 12b, the cushion pins are disposedgenerally over the cushion pad (not shown) disposed in the opening 234of the fixture support plate 22b, for reasons to be made more apparentbelow.

The die fixture 12b operates substantially similar to the die fixture12, described before, the salient differ ence with respect to theoperation of the die fixture 12b being during the stamping operation. Inthe stamping.

station 18 position of the die fixture 12b, the upper punch elementengages the workpiece blank and forces a portion of the workpiece blankagainst the pad 236 and into the form groove 237 of the lower dieelement 15%. As the pad 236 is forced in a general direction 248, thepad 236 engages the head of the cushion pins 246 and forces each of thecushion pins 246 in a direction 248, generally against the biasing forceof the springs 244, a portion of each of the cushion pins 246 beingdisposed in the opening 234 and engaging a por tion of the air cushionpad movably disposed therein.

After the workpiece blank has been formed, the ram and upper punchelement connected thereto are moved from engagement with the workpieceblank, and each of the cushion pins 246 are biased in a direction 250via the air cushion pad and augmentingly biased in the direction 250 viathe springs 244. Each of the cushion pins 246 biasingly engage the pad236 moving the pad 236 and formed portion of the workpiece blank in'adirection 250 to generally remove the workpiece blank from the lower dieelement 150b, the die fixture 12b being subsequently moved to theloading station 16 for receiving another workpiece blank.

Embodiment of FIG. 8

The modified die fixture 120, shown in FIG, 8, is constructedsubstantially the same as the die fixture 12, described before, thesalient difference being that the modified base support 1260 includes apair of channels 254, one of the channels 254 being disposed generallynear the side 1300 of the base 1200 and the other channel 254 beingdisposed generally near the side 1320 of the base 1200. Each channel 254includes a portion overlapping a portion of the upper face 122 of thebase 1200, generally adjacent one of the sides 1300 and 1320 thereof.Each of the channels 254 of the base support 1260 retains the base 1200in a predetermined path of travel, the lower face 1240 of the base 1200slidingly engaging the upper surface of the fixture support plate 22 asthe die fixture 12c is moved to the loading station 16 and the stampingstation 18, in a manner similar to that described before with respect tothe die fixture and control apparatus 10.

Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the variousembodiments of the invention as disclosed herein without departing fromthe spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punchpress having an upper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, comprising:

a base, having an upper and a lower face;

support means connected to the upper face of the base, having anengaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formedin the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiablevia locating indicia;

locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stopsurface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on theupper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of thelocators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to positioneach of the locators in one direction;

means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface ofthe support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of thelocators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engagingsurfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, eachblank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank forpositioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having aportion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for movingthe base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stampingdirection to a stamping station, the lower die element being alignedwith the upper punch element in the stamping station position of thebase for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpieceblank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lowerdie element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in theloading station position thereof; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and aportion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to theloading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the baseto the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stampngposition, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising:

timing control means for variably adjusting the loading station delaytime wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at theloading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at thestamping station.

2. A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punchpress having an upper punch element movably into engagement with theworkpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, comprising:

a base, having an upper and a lower face;

support means connected to the upper face of the base, having anengaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formedin the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiablevia locating indicia;

locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stopsurface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on theupper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of thelocators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to positioneach of the locators in one direction;

means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface ofthe support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of thelocators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engagingsurfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, eachblank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank forpositioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having aportion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for movingthe base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stampingdirection to a stamping station, the lower die element being alignedwith the upper punch element in the stamping station position of thebase for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpieceblank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lowerdie element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in theloading station position thereof; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press andaportion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to theloading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the baseto the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stampingposition, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: means forvariably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loadingstation position and to the stamping station position.

3. A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punchpress having an upper punch element movably into engagement with theworkpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, comprising:

a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to theupper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and aplurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each ofthe index openings being identifiable via locating indicia;

locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stopsurface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on theupper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of thelocators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to positioneach of the locators in one direction;

means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface ofthe support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of thelocators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engagingsurfaces of the locators in a prede' termined assembled position, eachblank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpieceblank forpositioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having aportion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for movingthe base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stampingdirection to a stamping station, the lower die element being alignedwith the upper punch element in the stamping station position of thebase for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpieceblank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lowerdie element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in theloading station position thereof; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and aportion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to theloading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the baseto the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stampingposition, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising:

air supply means supplying pressurized control air;

a die fixture actuator connected to the air supply means, having aportion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected tothe base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the laodingstation position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the baseto the stamping station position, in one other actuated positionthereof;

a fixture control valve interposed between the air supply means and thedie fixture actuator, the fixture control valve having one actuatedposition connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuatoractuating the die fixture actuator tomove the base to the loadingstation position and one other actuated position connecting the airsupply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixtureactuator to move the base to the stamping station position;

means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixtureactuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between thedie fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rateof travel of the base moving to the loading station position and thestamping station posi tion; and

means connected to the die fixture actuator for actuating the diefixture actuator. 4. An improved die fixture and control apparatus forpositioning a workpieceblank to be formed in a punch press having anupper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank inan actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising:

a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upperface of the base;

means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on aportion of the lower die element; base support means secured to aportion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base toprovide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, havingaportion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to aloading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predeterminedpositions generally on the lower die element, on one actuated position,and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting apredetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of theupper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press,in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: timingmeans for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein thecontrol apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading stationand variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein thecontrol apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.5. An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning aworkpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punchelement movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuatedstamping position of the punch press, comprising:

a base, having an upper face;

a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base;

means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on aportion of the lower die ele ment;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having aportion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automaticallymoving the base to a loading station position for loading workpieceblanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, inone actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping stationposition for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank viathe engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the controlapparatus comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel ofthe base moving to the loading station position and to the stampingstation position. 6. An improved die fixture and control apparatus forpositioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having anupper punch element movable into ena base, having an upper face;

a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base;

means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on aportion of the lower die element;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having aportion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automaticallymoving the base to a loading station position for loading workpieceblanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, inone actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping stationposition for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank viathe engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the controlapparatus comprising:

air supply means supplying pressurized control air;

a die fixture actuator connected to'the air supply means, having aportion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected tothe base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the loadingstation position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the baseto the stamping station position, in one other actuated positionthereof; and means interposed between the fixture control valve and thedie fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized airbetween the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve tocontrol the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading stationposition and the stamping station position.

7. The die fixture actuator of claim 6 wherein the fixture control valveincludes: a pair of pilot connections connected to the air supply means,the fixture control valve being positioned to connect the air supply tothe die fixture actuator for moving the base to the loading station whenreceiving pressurized air at one of the pilot connections, and beingpositioned to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator formoving the base to the stamping station when receiving pressurized airat the other pilot connection; and

means interposed between the air supply means and the pilot connectionsof the fixture control valve connecting the air supply means to one ofthe pilot connections in one position thereof and connecting the airsupply means to the other pilot connection in one other positionthereof.

8. The die fixture of claim 7 wherein the means interposed between thepilot connections of the fixture control valve and the air supply meansincludes:

a first direction control, having an opened and a closed position,interposed between the pilot con nection actuating the fixture controlvalve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move thebase to the loading station position and connecting the air supply tothe pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof;

means to open and close the first direction control;

a second direction control, having an opened and a closed position,interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixture controlvalve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move thebase to the stamping station position and connecting the air supply tothe pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof;and

means to open and close the second direction control.

9. The die fixture of claim 8 wherein the first direction controlincludes: a trip arm connected thereto to position the first directioncontrol in the opened posi tion in an engaged position of the trip arm;and wherein the second direction control includes: a trip arm connectedthereto to position the second direction control in the opened positionin an engaged position thereof; and wherein the means opening andclosing the first and the second direction control are each definedfurther to include:

a timing actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portionreciprocatingly disposed therein, and being reciprocated to engage thetriparm of the first direction control in one actuated position, andbeing reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the second directioncontrol in one other actuated position; and

wherein the fixture control valve is interposed between the air supplymeans and the timing actuator connecting the air supply means to thetiming actuator means reciprocating the portion thereof to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control when actuated via the pilotconnection connected to the second direction control and reciprocatingthe portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the second directioncontrol when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the firstdirection control, the first and the second direction control therebycontrolling the actuated position of the fixture control valve toautomatically move the base to the loading station position and thestamping station position at controlled intervals of time.

10. The die fixture of claim 9 wherein the control apparatus is definedfurther to include:

a loading station control interposed between the fixture control valveand the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurizedair to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which thereciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the seconddirection control, thereby controlling the loading station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at theloading station; and

a stamping station control interposed between the fixture control valveand the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurizedair to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which thereciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the firstdirection control, thereby controlling the stamping station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at thestamping station,

11. The die fixture apparatus of claim 9 wherein the control apparatusis defined further to include:

a ram controller connected to the punch press and to the air supplymeans positioning the punch press in an actuated stamping position whenreceiving pressurized air from the air supply means;

a ram actuator, having an opened and a closed position, interposedbetween the air supply means and the ram controller connecting thepressurized air to the ram controller in an opened position thereof; and

means actuating the ram actuator to the opened position in one positionthereof; and wherein the reciprocating portion of the timing actuatoractuates the means actuating the ram actuator when moving to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control.

12. The die fixture apparatus of claim 8 wherein the control apparatusis defined further to include:

a hand control valve, having an opened and a closed position, interposedbetween the air supply means and the pilot connection fo the fixturecontrol valve actuating the fixture control valve to connect the airsupply means to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loadingstation position and connecting the air supply means to the pilotconnection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; and

a shuttel valve interposed between thefirst direction control, the handcontrol valve and the pilot connection of the fixture control valveconnected thereto providing a flow path therethrough between the handcontrol valve and the pilot connection in an opened position at the handcontrol valve and providing a flow path therethrough between the firstdirection control and the pilot connection in an opened position of thefirst direction control.

13. The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include:

a pair of flange connectors connected to opposite sides of the base andhaving a guide flange means extending therefrom, a guide opening beingformed through the guide flange means; and

a fixture support plate secured to a portion of the punch press; andwherein the base support means includes:

a pair of guide rods secured to the fixture support plate, each guiderod slidingly extending through the guide opening of one of the flangeconnectors, the base being slidingly supported on the guide rods via theflange connectors to be moved to the loading station position and to thestamping station position.

14. The die fixture of cliam 13 wherein the guide rods slidingly supportthe base a distance generally above the fixture support plate.

15. he die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a fixturesupport plate secured to a portion of the punch press; and wherein thebase is slidingly supported on the fixture support plate to be moved tothe loading station position and the stamping station position, andwherein the base support means includes: a pair of channels disposedgenerally adjacent opposite sides of the base, each channel secured tothe fixture support plate and having a portion overlapping an adjacentportion of the upper face of the base. i

16. The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a fixturesupport plate secured to a portion of the punch press, having an aircushion opening formed in a portion thereof for accommodating an aircushion pad, an upper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press; andwherein the base includes: a plurality of spaced air cushion pinopenings formed therethrough and positioned to be alignedwith the aircushion opening in a stamping station position of the base; and whereinthe die fixture is defined further to include: i

a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base having atleast one air cushion pin opening formed through a portion thereofaligned with one of the air cushion pin openings in the base, the aircushion pin openings through the lower die ele ment having a largerdiameter portion forming an annular ledge therein;

a cushion pin disposed in each air cushion pin opening of the lower dieelement and having a portion partially disposed in the aligned aircushion pin opening of the base;

a spring disposed about each cushion pin having a portion engaging oneof the cushion pins and a portion engaging one of the annular ledges,each spring biasing one of the cushion pins in a direction generallyaway from the fixture support plate, each cushion pin positioned to bebiased in a direction generally toward the fixture support plate via aportion of the workpiece blank engaged by the upper punch elementgenerally against the biasing force of the springs to a positiondisposing a portion of each cushion pin generally within air cushionopening in the fixture support plate, each of the cushion pins beingbiased by the springs in a direction generally away from the fixturesupport plate to augment removal of the workpiece blank from the lowerdie element after the stamping operation.

17. The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include:

a guard encompassing a substantial portion of the lower die element andthe upper punch element in the stampingstation position of the base, theguard having a guard opening formed through a portion thereof providinga minimum clearance between ,the guard edge formed by the guard openingand the base, the lower die element and the workpiece blank, the basebeing movable through the guard opening to a stamping station positionand a loading station position.

18. An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning aworkpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punchelement movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuatedstamping position of the punch. press, comprising:

a base, having an upper face;

a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base;

means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on aportion of the lower die element;

base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having aportion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and

control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automaticallymoving the base to a loading station position for loading workpieceblanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, inone actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping stationposition for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank viathe engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the controlapparatus, comprising:

a die fixture actuator, having a portion connected to the base, movingthe base to the loading station position, in one actutated positionthereof,

and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one otheractuated position thereof;

means to actuate the die fixture actuator;

timing means for variably adjusting the loading station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at theloading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at thestamping station; and

means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving tothe loading station position and to the stamping station position.

19. The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 18 wherein the meansfor positioning the workpiece blanks is defined further to include:

support means connected to the upper face of the base, having anengaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formedin an upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiablevia locating indicia;

locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stopsurface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on theupper sur face of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of thelocators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to positioneach of the locators in one direction; and

means removably securing each of the'locators to the upper surface ofthe support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of thelocators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engagingsurfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, eachblank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank forpositioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position.

20. The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 19 wherein the meansto actuate the die fixture actuator is defined further to include:

air supply means supplying pressurized control air connected to the diefixture actuator;

a fixture control valve interposed between the air supply means and thedie fixture actuator, having a pair of pilot connections connected tothe air supply means, the fixture control valve connecting the airsupply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixtureactuator to move the base to the loading station position when receivingpressurized air via one of the pilot connections, and connecting the airsupply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixtureactuator to move the base to the stamping station position whenreceiving pressurized air via the other pilot connection; and whereinthe means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the baseincludes: needle valve means interposed between the fixture controlvalve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow ofpressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture controlvalve to control the rate of travel of the base; and wherein the timingmeans is defined further to include:

a first direction control, having an opened and a closed position, and atrip arm opening the first direction control in an engaged position, thefirst direction control interposed between the pilot connectionactuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the diefixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position andconnecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto inan opened position thereof;

a second direction control, having an opened and a closed position, anda trip arm opening the second direction control in an engaged position,the second direction control interposed between the pilot connectionactuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the diefixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position andconnecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto inan opened position-thereof;

a timing actuator connected to the air supply means having a portionreciprocatingly disposed therein and being reciprocated to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control, in one actuated position, andbeing reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the second directioncontrol, in one other actuated position; and

wherein the fixture control valve is interposed between the air supplymeans and the timing actuator connecting the air supply means to thetiming actuator means reciprocating the portion thereof to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control when actuated via the pilotconnection connected to the second direction control and reciprocatingthe portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the second directioncontrol when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the firstdirection control, the first and the second direction control therebycontrolling the actuated position of the fixture control valve toautomatically move the base to the loading station position and thestamping station position at controlled intervals of time; and whereinthe timing means is defined further to include:

a loading station control interposed between the fixture control valveand the timing actuator for variably adjusting the fiow of pressurizedair to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which thereciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the seconddirection control, thereby controlling the loading station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at theloading station; and

a stamping station control interposed between-the fixture control valveand the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurizedair to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which thereciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the firstdirection control, thereby controlling the stamping station delay timewherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at thestamping station.

21. The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 20 wherein thecontrol apparatus is defined further to include:

a ram controller connected to the punch press and to the air supplymeans positioning the punch press in an actuated stamping position whenreceiving pressurized air from the air supply means;

a ram actuator, having an opened and a closed position, interposedbetween the air supply means and the ram controller connecting thepressurized air to the ram controller in an opened position thereof; and

means actuating the ram actuator to the opened position in one positionthereof; and

wherein the reciprocating portion of the timing actuator actuates themeans actuating the ram actuator when moving to engage the trip arm ofthe first direction control.

E o UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Column 5,69, CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIONPatent No. 3, 7 77. 602 Dared Dcomber 11. 1973 flnuenror-(s) gn l I X Itis certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown'below:

line 21, "an", should be -and-. Column line 19, 'towad", should be -toward.

Column line 21, "th" should be the- Column line '46 "the" firstocourrendi should be The Column line. 3, "conneotd" should beoonnected-r 7 Column line 46, "5" should be' -l5--..

6 h Column 6, "line 32, 'actuati-ngf' should be fa ctingm 7 v s, 8,Column l0;," line 57, "paticularly should be -particularlj-. Column line55, I after "to" insert -u I I Q Column 13, line 13,- "virturally"should be -'vir cual1y- Column 14," line 28, "openins" should be-oponings-. I Column l4, line '29, "hoizontal" should be --horizonta1-.Column 14, line 31, "suppots' should be supports-,;

Column 14, line 34, "th" should be ffhs-nfl Column 15, .line 23, "as"should .he an--. 7 Column l6 line 7, "actuatd should be -a131iaeq-.

Column 16, line 21, "the the" should be phe-.

L Column 17, line 33, "83"'v shou1d bo -82- -y

1. A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punchpress having an upper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and alower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base,having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of indexopenings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openingsbeing identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having ablank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to apredetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the supportmeans, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engagingsurface of the support means to position each of the locators in onedirection; means removably securing each of the locators to the uppersurface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locateeach of the locators in one other direction to securedly position theblank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembledposition, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of theworkpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predeterminedposition; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press,having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide pathfor moving the base in a loading direction to a loading station and in astamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element beingaligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position ofthe base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of theworkpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press andthe lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blankin the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having aportion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to thebase, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in oneactuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping stationposition actuating the punch press in a stampng position, in one otheractuated position thereof, comprising: timing control means for variablyadjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatusmaintains the base positioned at the loading station and variablyadjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatusmaintains the base positioned at the stamping station.
 2. A die fixturefor positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having anupper punch element movably into engagement with the workpiece blanksupported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of thepunch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face;support means connected to the upper face of the base, having anengaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formedin the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiablevia locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engagingsurface and a stop surface and being secured to a predeterminedassembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stopsurfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of thesupport means to position each of the locators in one direction; meansremovably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of thesupport means via predetermined index openings to locate each of thelocators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engagingsurfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, eachblank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank forpositioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; basesupport means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portionmovably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving thebase in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stampingdirection to a stamping station, the lower die element being alignedwith the upper punch element in the stamping station position of thebase for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpieceblank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lowerdie element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in theloading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having aportion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to thebase, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in oneactuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping stationposition actuating the punch press in a stamping position, in one otheractuated position thereof, comprising: means for variably adjusting therate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and tothe stamping station position.
 3. A die fixture for positioning aworkpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch elementmovably into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lowerdie element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press,comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support meansconnected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surfaceformed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upperface thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locatingindicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and astop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position onthe upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of thelocators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to positioneach of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each ofthe locators to the upper surface of the support means via predeterminedindex openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction tosecuredly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in apredetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging aportion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in apredetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of thepunch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining aguide path for moving the base in a loading direCtion to a loadingstation and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower dieelement being aligned with the upper punch element in the stampingstation position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to aportion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of thepunch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving aworkpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and controlapparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portionconnected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loadingposition, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to thestamping station position actuating the punch press in a stampingposition, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: air supplymeans supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuatorconnected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatinglydisposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the diefixture actuator moving the base to the laoding station position, in oneactuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping stationposition, in one other actuated position thereof; a fixture controlvalve interposed between the air supply means and the die fixtureactuator, the fixture control valve having one actuated positionconnecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuatingthe die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading stationposition and one other actuated position connecting the air supply meansto the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to movethe base to the stamping station position; means interposed between thefixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variablyadjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuatorand the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the basemoving to the loading station position and the stamping stationposition; and means connected to the die fixture actuator for actuatingthe die fixture actuator.
 4. An improved die fixture and controlapparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punchpress having an upper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press,comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured tothe upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks inpredetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; basesupport means secured to a portion of the punch press and having aportion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; andcontrol apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automaticallymoving the base to a loading station position for loading workpieceblanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, onone actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping stationposition for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank viathe engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the controlapparatus comprising: timing means for variably adjusting the loadingstation delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the basepositioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stampingstation delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the basepositioned at the stamping station.
 5. An improved die fixture andcontrol apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in apunch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement withthe workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press,comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured tothe upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks inpredetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; basesupport means secured to a portion of the punch press and having Aportion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; andcontrol apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automaticallymoving the base to a loading station position for loading workpieceblanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, inone actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping stationposition for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank viathe engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stampingposition of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the controlapparatus comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel ofthe base moving to the loading station position and to the stampingstation position.
 6. An improved die fixture and control apparatus forpositioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having anupper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank inan actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base,having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face ofthe base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positionson a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to aportion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base toprovide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having aportion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to aloading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predeterminedpositions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position,and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting apredetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of theupper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press,in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: airsupply means supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuatorconnected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatinglydisposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the diefixture actuator moving the base to the loading station position, in oneactuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping stationposition, in one other actuated position thereof; and means interposedbetween the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator forvariably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixtureactuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel ofthe base moving to the loading station position and the stamping stationposition.
 7. The die fixture actuator of claim 6 wherein the fixturecontrol valve includes: a pair of pilot connections connected to the airsupply means, the fixture control valve being positioned to connect theair supply to the die fixture actuator for moving the base to theloading station when receiving pressurized air at one of the pilotconnections, and being positioned to connect the air supply to the diefixture actuator for moving the base to the stamping station whenreceiving pressurized air at the other pilot connection; and meansinterposed between the air supply means and the pilot connections of thefixture control valve connecting the air supply means to one of thepilot connections in one position thereof and connecting the air supplymeans to the other pilot connection in one other position thereof. 8.The die fixture of claim 7 wherein the means interposed between thepilot connections of the fixture control valve and the air supply meansincludes: a first direction control, having an opened and a closedposition, interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixturecontrol valve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator tomove the base to the loading station position and connecting the airsupply to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened positionthereof; means to open and close the first direction control; a seconddirection control, having an opened and a cLosed position, interposedbetween the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve toconnect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base tothe stamping station position and connecting the air supply to the pilotconnection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; and means toopen and close the second direction control.
 9. The die fixture of claim8 wherein the first direction control includes: a trip arm connectedthereto to position the first direction control in the opened positionin an engaged position of the trip arm; and wherein the second directioncontrol includes: a trip arm connected thereto to position the seconddirection control in the opened position in an engaged position thereof;and wherein the means opening and closing the first and the seconddirection control are each defined further to include: a timing actuatorconnected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatinglydisposed therein, and being reciprocated to engage the trip arm of thefirst direction control in one actuated position, and being reciprocatedto engage the trip arm of the second direction control in one otheractuated position; and wherein the fixture control valve is interposedbetween the air supply means and the timing actuator connecting the airsupply means to the timing actuator means reciprocating the portionthereof to engage the trip arm of the first direction control whenactuated via the pilot connection connected to the second directioncontrol and reciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm ofthe second direction control when actuated via the pilot connectionconnected to the first direction control, the first and the seconddirection control thereby controlling the actuated position of thefixture control valve to automatically move the base to the loadingstation position and the stamping station position at controlledintervals of time.
 10. The die fixture of claim 9 wherein the controlapparatus is defined further to include: a loading station controlinterposed between the fixture control valve and the timing actuator forvariably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator tovariably control the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves toengage the trip arm of the second direction control, thereby controllingthe loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintainsthe base positioned at the loading station; and a stamping stationcontrol interposed between the fixture control valve and the timingactuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to thetiming actuator to variably control the rate at which the reciprocatingportion moves to engage the trip arm of the first direction control,thereby controlling the stamping station delay time wherein the controlapparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.
 11. Thedie fixture apparatus of claim 9 wherein the control apparatus isdefined further to include: a ram controller connected to the punchpress and to the air supply means positioning the punch press in anactuated stamping position when receiving pressurized air from the airsupply means; a ram actuator, having an opened and a closed position,interposed between the air supply means and the ram controllerconnecting the pressurized air to the ram controller in an openedposition thereof; and means actuating the ram actuator to the openedposition in one position thereof; and wherein the reciprocating portionof the timing actuator actuates the means actuating the ram actuatorwhen moving to engage the trip arm of the first direction control. 12.The die fixture apparatus of claim 8 wherein the control apparatus isdefined further to include: a hand control valve, having an opened and aclosed position, interposed between the air supply means and the pilotconnection fo the fixture control valve actuating the fixture controlvalve to connect the air supply means to the die fixture actuator tomove the base to the loading station position and connecting the airsupply means to the pilot connection connected thereto in an openedposition thereof; and a shuttel valve interposed between the firstdirection control, the hand control valve and the pilot connection ofthe fixture control valve connected thereto providing a flow paththerethrough between the hand control valve and the pilot connection inan opened position at the hand control valve and providing a flow paththerethrough between the first direction control and the pilotconnection in an opened position of the first direction control.
 13. Thedie fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a pair of flangeconnectors connected to opposite sides of the base and having a guideflange means extending therefrom, a guide opening being formed throughthe guide flange means; and a fixture support plate secured to a portionof the punch press; and wherein the base support means includes: a pairof guide rods secured to the fixture support plate, each guide rodslidingly extending through the guide opening of one of the flangeconnectors, the base being slidingly supported on the guide rods via theflange connectors to be moved to the loading station position and to thestamping station position.
 14. The die fixture of cliam 13 wherein theguide rods slidingly support the base a distance generally above thefixture support plate.
 15. he die fixture of claim 4 defined further toinclude: a fixture support plate secured to a portion of the punchpress; and wherein the base is slidingly supported on the fixturesupport plate to be moved to the loading station position and thestamping station position, and wherein the base support means includes:a pair of channels disposed generally adjacent opposite sides of thebase, each channel secured to the fixture support plate and having aportion overlapping an adjacent portion of the upper face of the base.16. The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a fixturesupport plate secured to a portion of the punch press, having an aircushion opening formed in a portion thereof for accommodating an aircushion pad, an upper punch element movable into engagement with theworkpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press; andwherein the base includes: a plurality of spaced air cushion pinopenings formed therethrough and positioned to be aligned with the aircushion opening in a stamping station position of the base; and whereinthe die fixture is defined further to include: a lower die elementsecured to the upper face of the base having at least one air cushionpin opening formed through a portion thereof aligned with one of the aircushion pin openings in the base, the air cushion pin openings throughthe lower die element having a larger diameter portion forming anannular ledge therein; a cushion pin disposed in each air cushion pinopening of the lower die element and having a portion partially disposedin the aligned air cushion pin opening of the base; a spring disposedabout each cushion pin having a portion engaging one of the cushion pinsand a portion engaging one of the annular ledges, each spring biasingone of the cushion pins in a direction generally away from the fixturesupport plate, each cushion pin positioned to be biased in a directiongenerally toward the fixture support plate via a portion of theworkpiece blank engaged by the upper punch element generally against thebiasing force of the springs to a position disposing a portion of eachcushion pin generally within air cushion opening in the fixture supportplate, each of the cushion pins being biased by the springs in adirection generally away from the fixture support plate to augmentremoval of the workpiece blank from the lower die element after thestamping operation.
 17. The die fixture of claim 4 defined further toinclude: a guard encompassing a substantial portion oF the lower dieelement and the upper punch element in the stamping station position ofthe base, the guard having a guard opening formed through a portionthereof providing a minimum clearance between the guard edge formed bythe guard opening and the base, the lower die element and the workpieceblank, the base being movable through the guard opening to a stampingstation position and a loading station position.
 18. An improved diefixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to beformed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable intoengagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position ofthe punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower dieelement secured to the upper face of the base; means positioningworkpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lowerdie element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch pressand having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for thebase; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base,automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loadingworkpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower dieelement, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stampingstation position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpieceblank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuatedstamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position,the control apparatus, comprising: a die fixture actuator, having aportion connected to the base, moving the base to the loading stationposition, in one actutated position thereof, and moving the base to thestamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; meansto actuate the die fixture actuator; timing means for variably adjustingthe loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintainsthe base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting thestamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains thebase positioned at the stamping station; and means for variablyadjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading stationposition and to the stamping station position.
 19. The die fixture andcontrol apparatus of claim 18 wherein the means for positioning theworkpiece blanks is defined further to include: support means connectedto the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereonand a plurality of index openings formed in an upper face thereof, eachof the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators,each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface andbeing secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surfaceof the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engagingthe engaging surface of the support means to position each of thelocators in one direction; and means removably securing each of thelocators to the upper surface of the support means via predeterminedindex openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction tosecuredly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in apredetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging aportion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in apredetermined position.
 20. The die fixture and control apparatus ofclaim 19 wherein the means to actuate the die fixture actuator isdefined further to include: air supply means supplying pressurizedcontrol air connected to the die fixture actuator; a fixture controlvalve interposed between the air supply means and the die fixtureactuator, having a pair of pilot connections connected to the air supplymeans, the fixture control valve connecting the air supply means to thedie fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the baseto the loading station position when receiving pressurized air via oneof tHe pilot connections, and connecting the air supply means to the diefixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base tothe stamping station position when receiving pressurized air via theother pilot connection; and wherein the means for variably adjusting therate of travel of the base includes: needle valve means interposedbetween the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator forvariably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixtureactuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel ofthe base; and wherein the timing means is defined further to include: afirst direction control, having an opened and a closed position, and atrip arm opening the first direction control in an engaged position, thefirst direction control interposed between the pilot connectionactuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the diefixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position andconnecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto inan opened position thereof; a second direction control, having an openedand a closed position, and a trip arm opening the second directioncontrol in an engaged position, the second direction control interposedbetween the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve toconnect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base tothe stamping station position and connecting the air supply to the pilotconnection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; a timingactuator connected to the air supply means having a portionreciprocatingly disposed therein and being reciprocated to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control, in one actuated position, andbeing reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the second directioncontrol, in one other actuated position; and wherein the fixture controlvalve is interposed between the air supply means and the timing actuatorconnecting the air supply means to the timing actuator meansreciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the firstdirection control when actuated via the pilot connection connected tothe second direction control and reciprocating the portion thereof toengage the trip arm of the second direction control when actuated viathe pilot connection connected to the first direction control, the firstand the second direction control thereby controlling the actuatedposition of the fixture control valve to automatically move the base tothe loading station position and the stamping station position atcontrolled intervals of time; and wherein the timing means is definedfurther to include: a loading station control interposed between thefixture control valve and the timing actuator for variably adjusting theflow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variably control therate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm ofthe second direction control, thereby controlling the loading stationdelay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positionedat the loading station; and a stamping station control interposedbetween the fixture control valve and the timing actuator for variablyadjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variablycontrol the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage thetrip arm of the first direction control, thereby controlling thestamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains thebase positioned at the stamping station.
 21. The die fixture and controlapparatus of claim 20 wherein the control apparatus is defined furtherto include: a ram controller connected to the punch press and to the airsupply means positioning the punch press in an actuated stampingposition when receiving pressurized air from the air supply means; a ramactuator, having an opened and a closed position, interposed between theair supply means and the ram controller connecting the pressurized airto the ram controller in an opened position thereof; and means actuatingthe ram actuator to the opened position in one position thereof; andwherein the reciprocating portion of the timing actuator actuates themeans actuating the ram actuator when moving to engage the trip arm ofthe first direction control.